Back / lumbar spine Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left knee disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for lumbosacral osteoarthritis prior to April 3, 2015 was granted. From April 3, 2015 to May 8, 2017, the Veteran received a 40 percent disability rating. After that date, his claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in a prior December 1965 rating decision.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, which is secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disability, needs further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, back disability (lumbar spine), shin splints, and heel spurs due to insufficient evidence in the record.,Further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, neck, right hip, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's right shoulder and right hand disabilities are not service-connected.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of lumbosacral strain, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's left hand condition, manifested by neurological symptoms, is granted service connection.,The Veteran's low back pain is granted service connection.,The Veteran's left knee strain is denied service connection.,The Veteran's left ankle condition and right ankle condition are both denied service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and right foot injury, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the appeal period prior to April 22, 2013.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, back disorder, right-hand disorder, and anemia due to incomplete records search under the Veteran's former name. A new VA medical opinion is needed on each issue.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbar strain was denied. Prior to March 16, 2016, the Veteran received a 20% disability rating. From March 16, 2016, he received a 40% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of thoracolumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and a low back disability, finding no credible evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they did not make him permanently bedridden, substantially confined to the home or premises, or unable to care for daily needs without requiring regular aid and assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that her current back disability is not related to her service and does not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to her service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and remanded the issues of service connection for a cervical spine condition and bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and TDIU, but remanded the claim of diverticulitis.,Service connection was not granted for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability as it did not occur during qualifying active military service.

The Veteran's initial rating for her back disorder prior to November 1, 2016 was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. After November 1, 2016, she received a 20% rating based on her symptoms and limitations.